Attacking midfielder Brandon Fernandes has made over 90 appearances in the Indian Super League (ISL) and established himself as one of the best native talents in the league. Initially drafted by Mumbai City FC in the 2015 season, Fernandes’ brilliance seemed to have caught significant attention after he signed for FC Goa in 2017, eventually earning him his international call-up.

With 21 assists and eight goals to his name since joining the Gaurs, the 29-year-old has made quite a name for himself through his beautiful footwork and creativity. During his tenure with FC Goa, he has helped his team to their first-ever silverware as they lifted the Super Cup in 2019. He followed it up by being an instrumental figure for the team as they became League Shield winners in 2020 and lifted the 2021 Durand Cup.

Fernandes has shared the field with some exceptionally talented players, both international and domestic, and now, the Margao-born player has thoughtfully put together a list of his all-time best playing XI, which, naturally, includes himself.

Here is Brandon Fernandes' all-time ISL playing eleven:

Goalkeeper

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Sandhu is the epitome of reliability between the bar posts. The Bengaluru FC goalkeeper is arguably the best active Indian goalkeeper who has helped the Blues become ISL Cup winners in only their second season, winning himself the ISL Golden Glove award in the process. The two-time ISL Golden Glove award winner shared the dressing room with Fernandes in the national team camp since 2019.

Defenders

Sandesh Jhingan

The veteran Indian international currently plays alongside Fernandes in FC Goa. Jhingan is one of the very few players who have been a part of the Indian top division since its inception in 2014, making his debut for Kerala Blasters FC. He has, since, donned the jersey of Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC before signing for the Gaurs. He is one of the most reliable defenders for the Indian football team, sometimes, even in front of the opposition's goal.

Anwar Ali

Ali played for FC Goa during the last season and has proved himself as a very dependable centre-back. The Punjabi youngster has been a clutch player in the league and his physicality and strength make an opposition player think twice before taking him one. In very less time he has made his presence known to the nation, garnering a lot of attention, leading to him joining Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Mourtada Fall

In the ISL, there has been hardly any defender who has found the back of the net as many times as Fall. Having shared the dressing room with Fernandes during his FC Goa days, the Senegalese signed for Mumbai City FC. He currently plays for Odisha FC but his goalscoring ability and excellent positioning still stay the same.

Akash Mishra

Mishra made his debut in the ISL in 2020 when he signed for Hyderabad FC. The pace of this player makes him a solid wing-back. Mishra has been an important part of the squad that won them their first ISL Cup. In 2023, he signed for Mumbai City FC where he seems to have settled quite well. Mishra and Fernandes have been a part of the national team camp together since 2021.

Midfielders

Leo Moura

The retired Brazilian had played for FC Goa during the 2015-16 season. With two goals to his name in 13 appearances, and only after a single season in India, Moura returned to Brazil.

Brandon Fernandes

Fernandes has chosen himself as the centre-midfielder and having helped his team win three different trophies during his time in Goa, it seems justified.

Lallianzuala Chhangte

The Hero of the League winner from last season has been involved with five different ISL clubs and currently represents Mumbai City FC. Chhangte’s pace and creativity in midfield are indeed praise-worthy.

Forwards

Stiven Mendoza

Mendoza has only played in the ISL for Chennaiyin FC where, in 2015, he bagged himself the individual double of ISL Player of the Tournament and ISL Golden Boot awards. With 17 goals and 5 assists in only 25 appearances, the Columbian had a great impact during his short term in India.

Sunil Chhetri

Third on the list of highest active international goalscorers among active players, only after the legends, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Fourth all-time greatest international goalscorer. A legend for India and Bengaluru FC. Chhetri has captained his club to an ISL Cup trophy, a Durand Cup success, and a Super Cup silverware.

Ferran Corominas

Corominas has shared the dressing room with Fernandes during his FC Goa days. He had been the most prominent scorer for FC Goa during their ISL Championship run and their Super Cup success. He had bagged himself two ISL Golden Boot awards alongside a Player of the Tournament award. He further shares the record for scoring the most goals in a single ISL season (18 goals) with Bartholomew Ogbeche.

Head Coach

Zico

The Brazilian legend, often called the "White Pele" was the coach of FC Goa during the inception of the ISL. In 2016, he left the Gaurs. Under Zico, FC Goa qualified for the playoffs in two consecutive seasons, becoming the runners-up for the ISL Cup in 2015. He had left the Gaurs after establishing them as one of the top teams in India's top division and provided them with a solid root.

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2023-2024 Brandon Fernandes